All you need to know guide.
What is this great Aussie icon you say.
One cannot live in regional Victoria, or anywhere rural on this great continent, and not post about the most infamous and revered accessory that identifies Australian culture.
The iconic hat that is synonymous with Australian rural living. The Akubra.
All around the world, the Akubra is recognised as a unique part of the great Australian uniform.
Remember the 1984 Olympics?
Well, this was not the first time the akubra made its appearance at the great sporting event. It’s debut appropriately occurred all the way back at at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics. So well received and stylish was it, that it continued to become part of the Australian team’s uniform in 1984,1988, 2000, and 2016. Not bad for a humble cattleman’s head garb. It’s possibly the item that made the Aussies stand out from the crowd.
https://www.olympics.com.au/news/melbourne-1956-olympic-games-the-historical-closing-ceremony
Akubra forming farming kinship
The first time I donned an Akubra was when I was 17 trekking the Snowy Mountain Ranges on horseback. It was a rather battered old “Cattleman” style hat which had been soaked through in storms, trampled on by my good old equine friend Duncan, and blanketed in red volcanic dust during dry spells.
When we’d stop in some remote town for supplies, the Akubra was the first thing we made sure came with us to the General store. It sent the message that we too were somewhat country folk and somehow connected to the rural community. We wore it like a badge of honour.
Strangely this Aussie apparel does unify the working farmer, or rural hand, who are making a living off our temperamental Southern land. It is the quintessential symbol of working in agriculture.
The thought process of the country kinsman would be something similar to this:
“You wear an akubra? Great you’re in the club! I’ll be out to help out to help in any way I can. Sheep shearing,? I’ll bring my shears. Tree down? I’ll bring my extra large chain saw. What was that? The tanks sprung a leak? I should have a spare PVC joiner somewhere in the shed.”
It’s a brotherhood. Or sisterhood for that matter. Cos girls make awesome farmers too!
https://www.agridigital.io/post/who-is-a-farmer-anyway
So…. Why the need to have an Akubra?
Other than purely being a practical hat to wear, there’s a certain something special about owning an Akubra. Yes, wandering outside in the Aussie climate warrants a hat. Our sun is harsh! Our rain storms unforgiving. And it can get pretty darn cold up in the mountain ranges. But donning an Akubra steps it up a notch. It also oozes charm and style. And today, there are even more subtle variations of the traditional shape to suit everyone’s taste. From the popular “Cattleman” to the smaller rimmed “Avalon”. Foe anyone, regardless of age, that is sporting a country lifestyle, the Akubra is a must.
OK.. So, Why did the Akubra gain such popularity?
The Akubra became synonymous with the iconic Australian 1980’s film, “The man from Snowy River”. The theme, the story and the musical score was a winner across the continent. So much so, that the ubiquitous music, remained on repeat in my head whilst we meandered through the gum forests of the Snowy Mountains many years ago. But that is the kind of impact it had on everyone. And of course, who didn’t want to be like Sigrid and Tom, and don their own Akubra.? Evidently, Australian film makers rely on the Akubra to depict a main character as a “true-blue” Aussie. The classic film “Crocodile Dundee”further highlights this fact.
Then of course, there are the numerous times that the Australian Olympic team have modelled the Akubra as part of their official uniform. Although how stylish the look on an athlete in a sport arena remains a controversial topic. Personally, I have always thought adding the hat to the uniform has always been a stylish addition.
From bushmen to bush poets, drovers to ringers, stockmen to squatters, all over Australia, the Akubra has been the hat of choice for Australians since the mid-1800s. It receives my applause for continuing to be Aussie owned and Aussie made, in Kempsey, NSW. The company continues to use the same processes (and sometimes the same machines), they’ve used for over eighty years.
Almost 150years ago, the hat was styled by founding owner in Tasmania, and to this day the family continues to run the business paying attention to producing beautifully crafted hand made, felted hats in Kemspsey, NSW. But let’s not forget why Mr Dunkerley saw it apt to manufacture a hat called an akubra back in 1876
The history of this hat….
It wasn’t about style.. It was about addressing the need to provide a working hat for the Australian outback worker. A hat that kept one’s head dry and warm, gave sun protection to the face and neck, act as a drinking vessel and be heat resistant enough to fan a camp fire. Not to mention, it’s manufacturing process had to make it tougher than any other similar hat around the globe. The felting process of the natural fibres (rabbit fur) on this hat, not only makes it comfortable to wear, but allows it to be worn all year round. Mr Dunkerley was so convinced he found the perfect method, that he patented the hat in the US, Aus and UK all those years ago. He knew he was on to a good thing.
And this folks, is why so many rural inhabitants have their trusty Akubra hanging next to the most frequented external door. It’s part of the “hard yakka” uniform. This thing is tough.
Wanting to buy an Akubra?….
Definitely ensure you’re purchasing from a supplier that is buying directly from the Akubra company. There are a number of styles in the range, so be sure to take the time to consider the look you’re after. Take note of the crown height and the brim width, as these are the features that will complement you. Having said that, the timeless “Cattleman” tends to be the most popular as it has an uncanny way of looking great on anyone. You can rarely go wrong with it.
If you are serious about investing in an Akubra, have a window shop at the reputable sellers listed below (in no particular order of course) before making the big decision.
https://www.greggrantsaddlery.com.au/pages/akubra-hats
https://www.bk8outfitters.com.au
https://brisbane-hatters.com.au
https://everythingaustralian.com.au/shop-by-brands/akubra.html
Congratulations on your purchase. Now how to look after it…
- Dirty akubra?
Rarely will an akubra need cleaning, but if you’re like me and it moves between sheep paddocks and grabbing a bite to eat at the local “General”, then you want it looking its best.
Use a hat brush to gently brush off dirt, or if stained, grab a clean cloth (wool/cotton) dampened with warm water and a drop of detergent and gently dab away. Job done.
2. Wet akubra?
Let it dry naturally away from the sun and too much heat from the log heater. Resist the need to fiddle around with it or you risk it becoming misshapen. Remeber, it’s a fur hat, so give it time to dry naturally. However, there’s no reason why you still can’t wear it damp, if need be.
3. Where do I store/keep it?
I know this one sounds extreme … but if your akubra is about style, and being worn to a stylish event, or a Sunday best, then treat it with respect. Don’t store in a sunny, hot place, or in direct sun. Place it upside down on its crown, so the brim doesn’t lose its shape. Keep it alongside the company of a linen shirt and polished RM Williams boots.
However, if you want that hard worn, rugged bushman’s look…. Well, I leave it to your own discretion. Toss it around.. treat it mean…. Get it wet, get it dusty, stomp on it with your Blundstone riding boots. Wear it in, so it shapes itself to your head and becomes so comfy you wouldn’t know you’re even wearing one. Hang it on a hook on the verandah, or just toss it onto the closest surface as you walk in the door.
Choice is yours dear reader… Personally, I fit into the latter camp.
In a nutshell, there you have it. A quick lesson on our great Akubra. The beauty of this article of clothing is that it still holds tradition and craftsmanship, known as “slow fashion”. Made by hand and in the country of its origin. Made in Australia, for the Australian, their climate and lifestyle.
Will you be considering an Akubra? Let me know which is your style and colour in the comments.
Yours truly styling an Akubra. The “Avalon”.
